Comprehensive Examination

The comprehensive examination is a process in which Dr. Lehman takes necessary records to provide a thorough diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment plan. This examination will include:

Caries Examination: This examination is to find teeth that have decay and are in need of restorations or incipient lesions that can be monitored and treated with fluoride. A new detection system allows the dentist to paint a temporary dose on the tooth, which will stain only decayed tooth structure for easy identification and removal.

Periodontal Examination: Using a special periodontal probe, the doctor examines the pocket depth between each of your teeth. The pocket depth is the measurement between the top of the gum and where the gum attaches to the tooth. If your pocket depth is too deep, you may be a victim of periodontal disease. A permanent record is kept and a follow up is done on any irregular or diseased gum pockets at future recall visits

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Oral Cancer Screening: If you are a tobacco or smokeless tobacco user, you are in primary danger of developing oral cancer. More than 8,000 deaths were attributed to oral cancer in the last year, and we feel that our duty is to prevent this deadly disease from occurring. WE provide oral cancer screenings during al preventative care appointments.

Occlusal Examination: The forces of your bite can sometimes affect the positioning of your jaw and teeth. Minor polishing of the enamel surfaces or fillings of the teeth can help redistribute and redirect the biting forces.

Temporo-Mandibular Joint (TMJ) Dysfunction Examination: TMJ is a condition that afflicts thousands of people. Frequent indicators of TMJ include popping and clicking of the jaw, limited jaw function, pain in the neck, shoulders, and upper back, and pain and pressure in the face and ears. We provide conservative therapies that can eliminate this painful, frustrating problem

X-ray Guidlines: Bitewing or "checkup" xrays are taken one set per year and a full mouth series are taken every 5-7 years. These are guidelines and will vary pending the particular situation. Common sense and conservative approach will be taken when ever possible.